Lot essay

While the perpetual calendar has become a relatively common complication in recent years, the combination of this function with the minute repeater is still a challenge due to the space required by the components for each mechanism.

Vacheron Constantin has a history of producing repeating pocket watches dating back to the 1810s and wristwatches with the complication from the 1930s. In the late 1980s as watch brands began to recover from the quartz crisis, Vacheron Constantin decided to leverage their heritage and expertise to work on the monumental project of creating an ultra-thin minute repeating movement with perpetual calendar. The result of 4 years’ development was the calibre 1755, with the minute repeating components totaling 3.28 mm. and the perpetual calendar module adding a scant 1.6 mm. to make for an almost unbelievable total thickness of 4.9 mm.

Following on from the original release of the smaller 36 mm. reference 30020 in 1992, Vacheron Constantin cased the calibre 1755 in a more modern case of 41 mm. diameter in a limited production of 30 examples in rose gold, reference 40300. The example offered here provides a rare chance to acquire one of these spectacular and important ultra-thin complicated calibres from one of the most prestigious manufacturers in wonderful condition to be admired and worn with pleasure for many years to come.

The present watch is numbered 18 of a limited edition of 30 examples only.

Cataloguing & details

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.